Emmerdale aired some sad scenes in tonight's double bill as the beginning of the end started for Ashley Thomas when he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Fans know that we're nearing the end of Ashley's dementia storyline, as we recently revealed that John Middleton had already filmed his final scenes after 21 years in the role.
And as previously reported, tonight's scenes saw Ashley's health take a turn for the worst when he suffered a shock collapse while spending time with his friend Bob Hope at the care home.
With Ashley coughing up blood, he was immediately rushed into hospital and it wasn't long before word got back to his family, who were enjoying a talent contest back in the village.
As Laurel dashed into hospital to be by her husband's side, the bad news kept coming as medics informed her that Ashley was desperately ill with a suspected infection – gently advising her to prepare for the worst.
An X-ray soon confirmed the doctors' fears and Laurel was later informed that Ashley had contracted a serious chest infection – which she quickly realised was pneumonia
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Laurel was left devastated by the news, but was determined to keep up a positive front – telling her father Doug the latest setback wasn't going to tear her and Ashley apart.
However, next week's episodes will see the family hit by the worst possible outcome when it's confirmed that Ashley won't recover this time, bringing the show's long-running dementia storyline to a close.
Emmerdale producer Iain MacLeod recently promised a fitting departure for Ashley, saying the episodes would be "oddly joyous and a "celebration of the character".
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
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Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Emmerdale spoilers, as Ashley sadly passes away and Aaron gets released from prison.
